Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1, Richmond Kickers 2

By Eddie Ralph, 07/12/14, 3:45PM PDT

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Sacramento Republic FC scores first but substitute forward Matthew Delicâte scores two in the last thirty minutes to give Richmond a 2-1 victory.

Republic FC came out strong to begin the match, controlling possession and finding holes in the Richmond defense. Their first strong chance at a goal came in just the 2nd minute when defender George Fochive streaked down the right side of the field and crossed the ball in toward forward Adam Jahn. The ball was well played, but saved right in front of Jahn by Richmond goalkeeper Joe Willis.

Although Republic FC would continue to attack the Richmond back line, the Kickers were able to counter attack against the pressure of Republic FC and had some good scoring chances of their own. Their best look of the first half came in the 20th minute when a cross went into the box but was saved just above forward Michael Seaton’s head by Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson.

The half ended in a scoreless tie. Richmond seemed to come out stronger in the second half than they did in the first half. The Kickers pressured the Republic FC defense from the start with their first great look coming in the 48th minute. Defender Alex Lee took a shot from the just outside right side of the box forcing Gleeson to make a leaping save.

Republic FC would be the first to score in the 64th minute. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez crossed the ball from the top left corner of the box toward the far post where Jahn was waiting and easily headed the ball into the goal to put Republic FC up 1-0

Richmond would waste no time and found an equalizer in the 66th minute. Forward Jason Weisley headed the ball to fellow substitute forward Matthew Delicâte who got behind the defense. Going one-on-one with Gleeson, he sent the ball into the back of the net to level the score 1-1.

Delicâte would strike again in the 78th minute to put the Kickers ahead. Midfielder George Davis IV attacked down the left side of the field before crossing the ball on the ground to Delicâte who neatly snuck the ball into the near side of the goal to put Richmond ahead 2-1.

Republic FC’s best chance of an equalizer came in extra time when substitute forward Thomas Stewart crossed the ball toward midfielder Carlos Martinez who was streaking towards goal but the cross went just over Martinez’s head and rolled harmlessly out.

“We are conceding soft goals and that is killing us. We were the better, team, possessing the ball for most of the match, but we are making it hard for ourselves to win the match.” said Stewart following the match. “It is important that we play the next game quickly as we want to get back to our win streak.”

Republic FC will travel to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Eagles on Monday, July 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PST at the Queens Sports Complex. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #CHAvSRFC.